After three years of consultation, hundreds of people giving feedback, and numerous debates at municipal hall, Sooke district council is putting the official community plan on hold for three months.
 
Council heard from 12 residents at Monday's council meeting seeking changes to the OCP, and councillors want further public input from the public and staff.
 
Because of staff vacations, a backlog of work, and hiring a chief administrative officer, the next available time for council to debate the plan is 3 Oct 2023.
 
"We're just hearing views from the public and determining the next course of action," said Mayor Maja Tait, adding council will continue to meet until councillors are satisfied all the voices in the community are heard.
 
The OCP sets out a vision for the community that dictates how land is used and developed, including homes, shops, offices, industry, and public institutions.
 
The plan encourages higher densities, and mixed-use developments mainly in the town centre, promotes medium-density residential projects in community residential areas, and supports lower densities and infill opportunities in rural areas.
 
It envisages the creation of a community with net zero emissions, effectively cancelling out the number of greenhouse gases (GHGs) generated by human activities.
 
Opponents of the plan have concerns about waterfront development, extension of the boardwalk, waterfront trails, development permit areas, net-zero buildings, and language in the document needs to be clarified.
 
Another argument that has permeated through the process was the lack of public participation.
 
The OCP review was launched just before the COVID pandemic, limiting the district's ability to host public forums.
 
Several residents at Monday's meeting asked council to consider slowing down the process.
 
In contrast, others called on council to push the document through.
 
"People are feeling duress due to lack of clarity. The community wants us to hear them," councillor Megan McMath said.
 
Planning director Matthew Pawlow said staff was not proposing immediate adoption and is still receiving public feedback.
 
"No where in this process has our staff said bang this through, rush this through, get it done," Tait said.
 
The vote was unanimous for the 3 Oct 2023 meeting.
 
However, multiple councillors said they want clarity in the document.
 
"I think it's been clear to everyone the need for more clarity in the document," said councillor Tony St-Pierre.
 
Kevin Laird.